-By Kate Bartlett-
Doors Open Buffalo was introduced in 2019, inviting visitors to explore some of the most well-known buildings of the city. Put on by Explore Buffalo, the event is free and family friendly, encouraging exploration and sharing in the passion of our Queen City. In 2021, visitors were granted access to iconic landmarks including City Hall, Seneca One, Shea’s Theatre, and the Electric Tower to name a few. This year, Doors Open invites guests to explore a different area as it expands to the Broadway Filmore District.
The vision of Doors Open, and Explore Buffalo, is to connect more people with Buffalo’s history and architecture by providing unique access that is not available at other times of the year. The event was inspired by other cities hosting similar events, including Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Last year, Doors Open Buffalo hosted 6,000 attendees to 35 downtown buildings open for touring. This year, guests are invited to experience a series of smaller events. The downtown event will return in 2023. The first event on August 24 was a sold-out dinner experience at Seneca One and September 17 was Museums and Culturals Day which offered discounts at WNY museums. Additionally, there have been weekly houses of worship music series throughout the month of September, with the last on September 22 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. All of these music events have been sold out. The final event of this years Door Open “In the Neighborhood” series will be September 24, touring day of building and landmarks in the Broadway Filmore District.
For 2022, we are granted the unique opportunity into a neighborhood not often explored by tourists, or even Buffalo natives. The Broadway Filmore neighborhood holds deep history and helped shape our Queen City. The Broadway Market will serve as the Doors Open Buffalo Hub, which is home to over twenty-six small businesses. The Market is open 8-5 Monday-Saturday year-round offering a range of products from seafood to Polish sausage and horseradish, to pickled vegetables and salsa and dry goods, in addition to six restaurants.
According to Brad Hahn, executive director of Explore Buffalo, the event is a bit different this year in order to connect with a different part of the city. “The Broadway Filmore district is one of the most historic neighborhoods of Buffalo. Not only is it the heart of the East Side, but it is holds many historic and cultural treasures. The people and businesses in this area are so excited to open their doors this weekend; there is such pride in these neighborhood institutions and they are ready to shine.”
We’re invited to explore landmarks including Central Terminal, St Adalbert’s Basilica, Buffalo Brewing Co, Al Cohen’s Bakery, Torn Space Theatre, Wilson Street Farm, and more. Each place offers a unique experience, including educational and self-guided tours offering insight into what help shape this region. For full list and description of participating landmarks visit https://explorebuffalo.org.
While the event is free and pre-registration is encouraged (above website), guests can also register the day of the event by stopping down to the Broadway Market (999 Broadway Street) between 10-4. Come explore Buffalo, and deepen your appreciation for this great city. Also follow Explore Buffalo and watch for upcoming events throughout the year. They offer a wide variety of tours year-round in Buffalo and it’s surrounding suburbs.